119

It’s a funny old world.....Part Two....

I am utterly mortified to report to you that one of my less attractive character traits has resurfaced; my inexcusable ingratitude. In fact, it resurfaced several weeks ago but I promptly decided that ingratitude is not an aspect of their personality that anyone would wish to draw attention to and therefore decided instantly to ‘forget’ about it. So that’s two of my less attractive character traits in one fell swoop - ingratitude and undiplomatic forgetfulness. (What exactly is a ‘fell swoop’?)

My lack of thanks refers to the period over Christmas that I spent in Ward 21 of Newcastle General Hospital. So far I have neglected to publicly thank the extraordinarily cheerful and good-humoured staff of that venerable institution who looked after me and my ward-mate Tim so well, even though they were away from their families at the most family-orientated festival of the year. And - needless to say - I’ve also neglected to thank everyone who has expressed sympathy over my inhospitalisation. (What a truly awesome, transatlantically 20th-century word: inhospitalisation.)

Anyway.....thankyou!

In truth, there’s a lot to be said for enforced extraction from the loathsome compulsory jollity of the Christmas and New Year season. I have to be honest here; when the doctor did his rounds at mid-afternoon on Monday 29 December and told me (after a mere two days of pampered bliss) that I was free to go home, my heart sank a little. In fact, I stayed for a further two hours because Tim’s family had brought his portable DVD player in for him and I wanted to see the end of The 39 Steps.

The facial disfigurement which prompted my two-day stay in hospital was truly grotesque, which is presumably why some people were unkind enough to say that they hadn’t noticed it. If you want, I’ll post a picture next time and you can make up your own mind. But it’s not a pretty sight.

Amongst many other things, my Aunty Mill used to say ‘Just when you think things can only get better, they suddenly get a very great deal worse’. The day after my release from hospital the boiler in my flat broke down. My (ex-)partner John was always the practical one between us but he was in Paris for the New Year with his new boyfriend Dominique, who is an artist and cartoonist. (I’m not sure why I’m telling you all this but it sure proves how complex and interesting life can get.)

Anyway......my London friend Brian (who had come up to see me for a few days) and I had no heating and no hot water for three days. And it was cold. Boy, was it cold.

And I haven’t finished yet, either.

Last week I twisted my car key while I was locking it on a visit to my Mam. The AA had to transport it - and me - back home to Newcastle and I was carless for a week. The early morning duty of carting me to and from work was shared by Alec (from my local taxi company) and our own familiar Lawrence, both of whom God preserve. (The pictures above are of a piano-tuning cat that Lawrence encountered.)

As a result of all this shenanigans (another elegant word), Lawrence and I have acquired an unhealthy taste for an old-fashioned ‘full English breakfast’ at a caff on ‘motorbike hill’ near the studios; two eggs, hash browns, mushrooms, tomatoes, baked beans, fried bread, tea. Awesome. Truly awesome.

My new car keys were obtained and cut by an old-fashioned locksmith near where I live. His premises are festooned with every conceivable kind of key, lock, chain, padlock, safe, cashbox and keyfob imaginable. He should charge admission. He really should.

AND ANOTHER THING....
Who on Earth is J Arthur Smallpiece?

Unless something particularly amazing happens, it looks as if I am going to have to leave The Nightshift on Wednesday without ever finding out the true identity of its Poet Laureate. And I would honestly feel totally bereft if that happens. So please....if you know who he/she is - or if, indeed, you are J Arthur Smallpiece - please please please get in touch before 0630 on Wednesday morning. Or, at the very least, listen to the last few Nightshifts for details of how to keep in touch with me after Wednesday....

CONTACT ME
Post comments on this blog or contact me in any one (or more) of these ways....
ian.robinson@bbc.co.uk
text 07786 200954 (while the programme is on-air)
call (between about 0545 and 0630 Monday to Friday) 0191 232 6565
Ian Robinson, The Nightshift, BBC Radio Newcastle, Spital Tongues, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE99 1RN

NOTE
Please bear in mind that the views expressed in this blog are my own and NOT the views of the BBC.

49 comments:

Lawrence said...

Hi Ian,

Pleasure to be of service (or inexplicably surface as I originally typed??? huh???).

It's odd you know, I'm not in any way a natural early riser and being self-employed have dictated my own start times for years, but since our "full Breakfasts" - another thing I normally don't partake of I wake up at 5am and by 7 my stomach's groaning for brekka of the large variety described on the main posting.

Ian.... you do realise that every week we'll have to invade that caff at 8am and devour a weekly plate full with a piping hot cuppa.

As for kitty the musical cat.... he was fascinated with the hammers, tried to eat one but terrified the life out of himself when he sat firmly on a set of bass keys thundering out a fiersome chord.

:-)

Lawrence

Vivienne said...

Hi Ian,

I'm so sorry to learn that you and John have split up. Losing your job and your partner are two major losses to face at the same time. Try to view this period in your life as a completely new start, and make the most of every opportunity which comes your way.

Lots of love, Vivienne xxx

Hildie said...

Ian, Tuppence,after recent events, being made redundant sounds like a piece of cake!
Anyway, I believe it's all my fault. Do you remember the run up to last Christmas when we did the mince pie experiment? I had read that if you eat a mince pie, on each of the twelve days of Christmas, it brings good luck for each month of the year.
I don't think it works.

Vivienne said...

Loz/ Ian,

As Hildie can't make 10th but her friend Chris can come this Friday, I suggest we stick to 30th. There will be at least five of us. Shall I book a table for five? Does 7pm suit everyone? The sooner we book the better, as Friday is a popular night.

Inga said...

Hi SID - your comment about IMPORTING coal up the river Tyne just went right over my head! Now if you had said Newcastle I would have understood! Owls to Athens etc :-)) We just got back but I will check on the info you provided.
Boy, I am glad that you, VIVIENNE are in charge of the arrangements -rather you than me. You are doing a terrific job !

Anonymous said...

Ian, dear Ian, I'm going to attempt to leave a comment ~ this will be my third attempt so here goes and I hope 'third time lucky' applies:
Only two more mornings of hearing you then the airways will be void of spirit, soul and interest! You must know that you will be missed so very, very much ~ however, starting off on this new part of your life must be incredible. Good luck always and enjoy every second - of course, we haven't heard the last of you, I'm sure. Good luck dear Ian.

Murphy and Dora said...

Hi Ellie,

Congratulations! Welcome to the blog. It's a bit scary at first but you'll soon get the hang of it. A usful tip is to tick the box below for email follow-ups, then every time a comment is posted on this page you will be sent a copy to you inbox. Unfortunately we have to tick each new page Ian posts, but it helps not to miss comments which may be posted on different pages. I hope I haven't confused you!

Love Vivienne.

P.s. I came on the blog to post details of Ian's get-toether on Friday, but I'll post them in a separate comment. I've already posted deatails on murphyanddorastravels.blogspot.com

Murphy and Dora said...

'Get-Together'

Truckshunters are invited to come to 'The Big Lamp Brewery' otherwise known as 'The Keelman' in Newburn, to say'Goodbye' to Ian Robinson on Friday 30th January.

Six of us including Ian have booked a table for 7.30pm. If you wish to join our party and treat
yourself to a meal, then please post your details in the Comments box below, or send an email to
murphyanddora@gmail.com

Alternatively, you may contact Ian at Radio Newcastle during his live shows tomorrow and Wednesday between 6.00 - 6.30am. Ian will cease his employment at Radio Newcastle on Wednesday at 6.30am, so please do not attempt to contact him on the numbers below after this time.

Radio Newcastle: Tel. 0191-2326565 or Text. 07786200954

Bookings will be taken by us up until Thursday 29th at 6pm. You are still welcome to come along to the Big Lamp/ Keelman if you have not booked with our party, but you will need to make your own arrangements regarding bookings/ seating.

Ian is looking forward to meeting as many of us as possible.

Murphy and Dora said...

'Get-Together'

Truckshunters are invited to come to 'The Big Lamp Brewery' otherwise known as 'The Keelman' in Newburn, to say'Goodbye' to Ian Robinson on Friday 30th January.

Six of us including Ian have booked a table for 7.30pm. If you wish to join our party and treat
yourself to a meal, then please post your details in the Comments box below, or send an email to
murphyanddora@gmail.com

Alternatively, you may contact Ian at Radio Newcastle during his live shows tomorrow and Wednesday between 6.00 - 6.30am. Ian will cease his employment at Radio Newcastle on Wednesday at 6.30am, so please do not attempt to contact him on the numbers below after this time.

Radio Newcastle: Tel. 0191-2326565 or Text. 07786200954

Bookings will be taken by us up until Thursday 29th at 6pm. You are still welcome to come along to the Big Lamp/ Keelman if you have not booked with our party, but you will need to make your own arrangements regarding bookings/ seating.

Ian is looking forward to meeting as many of us as possible.

Hildie said...

Hello Ellie,
it's lovely to see you on here!
I hope you will become a regular visitor.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the welcome Vivienne. I feel better already and I'll follow your advice. I would love to have been able to go to Ian's get-together, but can't so will have to be there in spirit only! I look forward to having a look at murphyanddorastravels.blogspot.com......
~ enjoy Friday, all of you....
Lots of love, Ellie

Vivienne said...

Hi Ellie,

I'm sorry you can't make it on Friday, but if you keep blogging I'm sure there will be future gatherings arranged, so you will find out the dates on here.

For all I'm an experienced blogger I still made a mistake trying to post details of the Get-together. I accidently posted twice, but decided not to delete one as the pair are more eye catching!

You are able to delete your own comments, if you wish, but you must be signed in to do so. When signed in you will see a small 'bin' at the bottom of all your own comment postings. To delete a comment you need to click on the bin. Inga found great difficulty finding her bins, but is now able to delete ok.

Maureen said...

Hi Ellie,
Welcome to Truckshunters, it's lovely to have you join us. I heard Ian say this morning that a lot of people had said they'd read the blog and hadn't managed to leave a comment. Hopefully more will join in now.
Vivienne, the night out, had you considered that hundreds of people could turn up as it's been mentioned on 'tinternet and radio? I hope that they've got enough chairs! I'll be watching the news with interest ...

Maureen said...

Ian I hope that we keep J. Arthur with us, even if he doesn't want to 'come out' I'd hate him to become one of life's unsolved mysteries ...

Inga said...

Hello to All of You - that's what I am looking at this morning. Freezing rain moved in overnight. Traffic is almost at a standstill, lots of people out in the country without electricity or heat. We are ok so far here in town but more is to come, possibly snow on top of the ice in the morning and that could really get bad then.
Hope you have a great time, Friday!
Cheers!

Maureen said...

Hi All
Inga, that looks seriously chilly! I've just come back from a bracing walk along the seafront, it certainly cleared away the cobwebs as we would say, but quite enjoyable. I hope that it doesn't get much worse for you. Keep warm everyone!

Inga said...

Hi Maureen - I am afraid I'll have to think of a different method to clear away cobwebs :-))! I certainly could not get rid of them outside. I would be engulfed in a frozen net in no time! It's not all THAT cold, 29F [-2 C] but the rain keeps on coming and keeps on freezing. Since it will not get above freezing today, I am afraid we haven't seen the worst of it yet. Just heard that parts of town are without electricity and my lights keep blinking. I you don't hear from me for a while - well you will know why.

Maureen said...

Brrr, sounds cold to me Inga! Hope you are ok there. Meanwhile I wondered if any of you had seen these picture of Mr Obama made on an Etch-A-Sketch! Full story and more pictures in the Daily Mail today: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1127863/The-Etch-A-Sketch-President-Artist-uses-toy-draw-famous-faces.html
Now where did I put that old one that we had ...

Hildie said...

Hello .......
I'm just here for a silent scream .......
it isn't really, really
Ian's last day on-air tomorrow,
is it?
Ian, you so will be missed
by us all. x x x

Maureen said...

Ahhh, Hildie I know what you mean, it doesn't seem real does it? Ian, you'll just have to get on the telly so that we can see you regularly. Tea time would be nice, I can think of a few people I would like to see replaced! Had you heard that they've finished the Dales Diary? Luke Casey must be retiring, now that's right up your street...
Sorry to change the subject but has anyone checked out the weather in Arkansas? It looks really bad, I hope that Inga and family are ok and that she is still has electricity and other services. It makes our problems small by comparison doesn't it? Google weather an hour ago... http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jv320qXrVAVFqDYU3nglqZySw6YgD95VNLU80

Lawrence said...

Best wishes to Inga with that ghastly weather!!

Hi all,

Well this morning is sadly here, and I'm sure we'll all be listening intently.

Yesterday was a manic morning as that 120 second Doorstep proved... I actually thought with the time the item had been shelved but no.... with that now familiar twinkle in his eye Ian cued Doorstep 21 and a panicked couple of minutes entertained rather than informed ... :-) made us laugh anyway...

Here now is the transcript of what would have gone out had we 6 or 7 minutes.... Cheers..

=======================

On Your Doorstep – Mini – 21.

Newcastle vs. Sunderland – the original local derby

This morning we fly frantically through time to the early 1640’s when local rivalries were just starting to flare, but far from sport it was all over coal.

By around 1641/1642 Sunderland had grown to become the largest town in Eastern England mainly through is reputation as a great coal exporting harbour, using naturally the mouth of the River Wear to ship coal.

Nearby, the City of Newcastle and its people were not too fond of this as they held a Royal Charter which restricted the shipment of coal from nearby ports including that of Sunderland.

Newcastle was a wealthy and powerful town and during the civil war Newcastle became a Royalist city and with that the rivalry became greater than ever.

Sunderland, partly influenced by its large contingent of Scottish traders supported the Parliamentarians under Oliver Cromwell.

In 1642 Sunderland received a garrison of Parliamentarians from Cromwell composed mainly of Scots.

Sunderland therefore became a centre for Parliamentarian offensives against Royalist strongholds of North Eastern England like the city of Durham and Newcastle.

Sunderland's stance in the Civil War only served to make things even more embitterer between their Parliamentarian town and the Newcastle Royalists.

Prior to the civil war Newcastle was the major supplier of coal to London.

If Sunderland had followed Newcastle and supported the Royalist cause, the essential supply of coal to Cromwell's London would have been virtually cut off.

In fairness to Sunderland, it was perhaps not surprising that its sympathies lay with the Parliamentarians rather than the Royalists, as after all it was a Royal Charter that restricted Sunderland's trade and gave Newcastle a vast advantage in any competition between the two ports.

August to October 1644

The Scots, fresh from Marston Moor, captured and occupied Stockton Castle.

Other Scots headed for Newcastle, which fell under siege.

The town was defended by the mayor John Marley.

The Parliamentarians of Sunderland, who assisted the blew cap Scots, were resented by the Royalists of Newcastle - especially as they were challenging Newcastle’s coal monopoly.

A Newcastle Royalist chant of the time shows this resentment:

Ride through Sandgate, up and doon,
There you’ll see the gallants fighting for the croon,
And all the cull cuckolds in Sunderland toon,
With all the bonny blew caps cannot pull them doon.

After a ten week siege, Scots captured Newcastle, penetrating its walls with gunpowder on October 20.

Marley in the castle surrendered two days later.

Tynemouth castle also surrendered on October 27.

Newcastle’s coal trade came to a standstill.

One result of the Civil War was that Sunderland and its coal port began to rapidly expand while Newcastle, though remaining the major coal port of Britain, had permanently lost its monopolistic hold on the export of local coal.

=========================

AND.... a list of On Your Doorsteps that might have been ....

==========================

OYDS THAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN…..but won’t be.

Sir George Airy 1801-92 Astronomer of Alnwick

Sir Daniel Gooch 1816-1889 Engineer of Bedlington

Henry Taylor 1800-1886 Poet of Bishop Middleham

Arthur Holmes 1890-1965 Geologist of Hebburn

William Turner 1508-1568 Botanist of Morpeth

Joseph Swan 1828-1914 One of the inventors of the electric light born Sunderland… connection with Edison and the formation of the Ediswan Company.

The People’s Theatre

Cinema in the North East

Massacre of the Bishop, Gateshead 1081 (The Northumbrians versus the Normans)

Battle of Hallidon Hill near Berwick 1333 (The English versus the Scots)

Battle of Flodden Field 9th September 1513 (The English versus the Scots)

The Rookhope Ryde 1569 (Tynedale versus Weardale) The raiders had decided to plunder the Wear valley for its livestock while most of the Weardale men were away (in Teesdale !), plotting against the Queen in the famous `Rising of the North'. Resistance to the raid was expected to be low, but there were still a number of Weardale men left to defend their dale.

========================

Later I will list the Doorsteps that were aired over 7 great months.

Lawrence

Vivienne said...

Hi Lawrence,

Yes, this is a sad day, but I'm sure you can't keep a good man down! Ian will no doubt be back in the media again, one way or another, in the future. At least we can track his whereabouts on Truckshunters.

Thanks for posting all the above info. Perhaps you could write a little feature about the untold 'Doorsteps' from time to time? I'm still amazed you managed to tell most of the above tale in two minutes!

Welcome to everyone who has recently found Ian's blog, but not yet posted a comment. Please let us know who you are.

Maureen said...

Hi Folks,
Here's to new beginnings. Welcome to new readers, please join in and let us know who you are. I liked the piece that Ian read out this morning (from Tony in Fenham) I think. I have a copy somewhere if anyone would like it. Maybe Tony will join us online now? and Kev (come back please!) Rev. Eddie, and all of those other names we know and will miss if we lose touch. Of course, a word from J. Arthur would be most welcome!
Loz, I was thinking that Ian might post your 'doorsteps' for you sometimes, then we could have a picture of the area too. I'm sure that there are enough local photographers amongst us to provide them!
Ian, have a good day, I'm sure that we'll be hearing from you soon.

Anonymous said...

Hello, everyone -
Like you, I'm so sad ~ whatever will I listen to tomorrow morning? I just can't wait to find out where Ian, Dulcet Toned Laird of the Airways, will be broadcasting from? I really hope we don't have to wait too long....
Laurence - I don't think I've ever thanked you for stimulating this old brain when I have been getting ready for work - thank you.
Aren't we just a big family that feels as if we have lost the head of that family? I know thats how I feel. I'm off to have a little cry.
Take care Ian - waiting for you to be back soon........

Vivienne said...

Hi Ellie,

Now that you're part of our family we can all grieve together. As Ian has started posting on his blog again, I don't feel we've lost him. Also, I'm going to meet up with him on Friday, so I'm expecting a good laugh! Well you've heard Ian & Lawrence together haven't you? They are both going to be there. Are you sure you can't make it? I'm off to the Lakes the next day, but didn't want to miss this opportunity.

Lawrence said...

Hi gang.... Hi Elle and welcome and THANK YOU for your kind comments... :-)

Tony's piece was wonderful I thought and so fitting.

anyhow... "Fell Swoop" Ian.... well....

Fell, from Old English, means awful, terrible or horrible.

The word's stem can also be seen in "felon," which now is mostly used to mean someone who has been convicted of a felony but which formerly meant one who is terrible, horrible or awful in behavior.

The "swoop" is an onomotopoeia, indicating a fast movement.

All together, "one fell swoop" means a swift, horrible blow.

Shakespeare, originator of so many English catchphrases, may have dreamed up this one too.

It appears in "Macbeth": "What! all my pretty chickens and their dam At one fell swoop?" (act IV, scene 3) laments Macduff, upon learning his wife and children have been killed by Macbeth.

This appears to be the earliest recorded use of the phrase, although it may have been in common usage before Shakespeare wrote it down.

It's interesting that "one fell swoop," which originally had such a dire connotation, is now a mild term meaning "all at once."

A similar fate has befallen the expression "fey charm."

Few people know that "fey" is an old Scottish term meaning (a) fated to die soon, or (b) full of the sense of approaching death (these definitions from the American Heritage Dictionary).

So if you say someone has a certain fey charm, you're saying he or she exerts that morbid fascination associated with imminent death.

Anonymous said...

Good morning, Vivienne
Thought I would just pop in to say however much I would LOVE to be there on Friday I really can't be so please would you pass on my best to Ian (the Laird) and give him a hug from me. I know I will be missing a very special event ~ drat!
Must get ready for the office.

Hildie said...

Morning Loz ... you beat me to it!
I've also been looking into 'one fell swoop' and was going to treat you to an explanation! The other words I was puzzling about were hospitalisation and inhospitalisation. They seem to mean the same thing, how odd! I googled 'inhospitalisation' and -guess what - it brought up the very mention Ian had made of it on this here blog!
Ellie .... I am very pleased to see that you keep popping back. It is fabulous to have a new person.
I hope Ian is enjoying a lovely, long lie-in this morning.

Sid said...

Hello everybody, I think Ians last show went rather well. I had been wondering how it would end. Like the man himself, it was done with grace, and like a good dentist, it was quick and painless (well nearly).
So as they say 'Today is another day'. Let us see what today has to throw at us, and remember....Always be ready to duck!.

Hildie said...

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED, SID,
packages arrived untampered
1100 hours 29.01.09.
May I suggest an assignation
for all Truckshunters
at The Secret Gardens,
one Summer day?

Sid said...

Hildie you are a star!. Can I just add (for the benefit of the drug squad) that the packages contained nothing more than two dvd's of a well known broadcaster. Phew...lol.
The idea of an assignation for us Truckshunters at The Secret Garden is a great idea. No need to book up either, unless hundreds want to attend.

Hildie said...

I know it gets a bit like a mutual admiration society on this blog from time to time but, Sid, you are the star ..... it's a fabulous job you've done, wait till the others see .... they'll tell you exactly the same thing!

Hildie said...

Did any of you see the BBC national news at six this evening -did you see those two criminals, who were handcuffed together, making a run for it? It was so funny, they each ran either side of a lamp-post and ended up in a mighty heap.
And, did you know?............. Carol Malia is pregnant.

Inga said...

Hi Folks, I am in a hotel ca 100 miles from home were there is electricity etc. They have kindly loaned me a laptop. Just want to tell you that the destruction is unbelievable. It looks like we are living in a war zone. It will take several days if not weeks to restore services in town and possibly months in the country. We are getting by with a small generator, a chafing dish to heat water and feather beds which I brought from Germany. Got to go. TTYL.

Inga said...

Sorry, I'll have to catch up with all of the above messages later.

Vivienne said...

Good Heavens Inga,

How terrible! We're all thinking of you and everyone over there, who's been caught out by the big freeze. I hope you get back home soon, and in the mean time, that you and Wendell enjoy your change of accommodation. Have you been able to take Bubba with you?

Anonymous said...

Hi truckshunters
I have just found you but will be interested to keep in touch with Ian's progress. I don't think he has anything to be worried about. I was 60 a few years ago now and have had a great time. Ian has been a remedy for getting through sleepless night for me for a long time but I never had the courage to phone in. I will miss him, especially the funny news items. Very difficult not to shake the bed laughing when your husband is snoring alonside you!!
Hope you have a great time on Friday, Ian deserves it

Maureen said...

Welcome anon, lovely to hear from another 'newbie' I know what you mean about trying not to disturb your partner, I confessed long ago to using earplugs to listen when I woke up during the night. The trouble is, no matter how quiet I try to be my partner stirs and automatically gets up and (I think!) sleepwalks to the loo! I feel awful for disturbing him, but maybe I'm doing him a service!
Please call back again, we're very friendly and love a good laugh!

Maureen said...

Inga, our thoughts are with you, I hope that you're ok, and back safely at home as soon as possible.

Sid said...

Hi everyone,
If you want to read about the weather Inga and family have had to contend with just Google 'Piggott News'. It is truly described as a War Zone.

Ian Robinson said...

Inga...please keep in touch with us - even if it's just to say you're OK. You're part of a big friendly family now and, as I know to my benefit, we look out for each other as any good family would...Take care.

Hildie said...

I'm thinking of you, Inga .....
it sounds so much worse over there than I could ever have imagined. You've had to travel a very long way from home to find safety. We will be looking out for news of you and your family on here.
Love to you all from Hildie.

Sid said...

Inga, I have just read one of Piggotts local newspapers and viewed the damage on your local tv station, I am lost for words. Shamefully I hadn't heard of these 'ice storms'.
I hope you and your family will be home soon, "safe and sound" as we say here in the UK.

Vivienne said...

Hi Sid,

Thanks so much for sending me the Piggot News feature. Poor Inga and her neighbours are having an awful time. It must be very frightening. I appreciate you finding the item and forwarding it on.

For newcomers, welcome! I have posted some on Inga's ice storm photos on murphyanddorastravels.blogspot.com
Please call in and view Inga's photos and also other features on the blog.

Lawrence said...

Hi all,

Inga - so great to hear from you - take care and stay safe.

My family in Canada have talked of Ice Storms in the past and I gathered then they were terifying, but nothing like this.

All the best.

Loz

Anonymous said...

Good morning everyone,
However, I'm sure its not a 'good' morning for Inge.
The pictures look really scary and I hope you will get through this Inge.
Take care, and know that we are thinking about you.

Sid said...

Just an update regarding Inga's plight.
Barack Obama has declared a Federal emergency in Arkansas. This will clear the way for the state to receive Federal aid.
Meanwhile the weather still hasn't improved.

Sid said...

The good news is that the ice in North Arkansas is starting to melt. Water is in short supply though. They need electricity to pump the water through the system. Power may not be restored to all areas for weeks. Thanks to ArkansasOnline for the information.

Ian Robinson said...

I'm with everyone else on this one Inga. Our news media don't seem to be carrying this story very much, if at all. Whenever you can, keep us informed of your circumstances and wellbeing. Much love to you...